Marseille youngsters rewarded
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Article summary
Mathieu Flamini and Jérémy Gavanon have both signed new three-year contracts with Olympique de Marseille.
Article body
Midfield player Mathieu Flamini and goalkeeper Jérémy Gavanon have both signed three-year contracts with Olympique de Marseille.
Youth products
Both players came through the youth ranks at the club and Flamini, in particular, has played a significant role in the team's successful UEFA Cup campaign this season. Flamini, 20, made his debut in December 2003 against Toulouse FC and has become a regular since José Anigo, who had worked with him at youth level, was promoted to first-team coach in January.
Final prospect
Flamini has featured in the last three rounds of the UEFA Cup against FC Internazionale and English sides Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC and he is expected to start again when Marseille take on Valencia CF in the UEFA Cup final on 19 May in Gothenburg.
Second choice
His fellow 20-year-old Gavanon became the second-choice goalkeeper after Fabien Barthez’s arrival from Manchester United FC, when former regular Vedran Runje retired. He made his sole appearance for Marseille this season at FK Partizan in the UEFA Champions League while Barthez was still ineligible. The 1-1 draw that night secured Marseille's place in the UEFA Cup third round.
